CNI News

9 September 2025

The Chairman of the State Security and Tranquility Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said that U.S. multi-faceted pressure can be addressed through the five-point proposal put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He made the remarks at a press briefing with media representatives in Chengdu, China, on September 6, 2025.

“In the world today, we see that powerful nations are exerting dominance in many ways — politically, economically, educationally, religiously, and militarily. For China too, the U.S. is imposing hardships through tariffs and other pressures. Similarly, we are also under pressure. This is not only financial but also political pressure. Economically as well, there are many forms of pressure. President Xi Jinping’s five-point proposal identifies weaknesses that are occurring in the world and explains that we must work to correct them. Therefore, I want to say that countries should cooperate together.”, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianshan, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with media in Chengdu

The five core principles of the GGI are:

Adhering to sovereign equality: This principle asserts that all countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, have an equal voice and role in global decision-making.

Abiding by international rule of law: The initiative calls for global governance to be guided by universally recognized norms and laws, rejecting selective interpretations or "double standards".

Practicing multilateralism: Emphasizing dialogue and cooperation, this principle stands in opposition to unilateralism and bloc-based confrontations.

Advocating the people-centered approach: The GGI promotes putting the well-being and sustainable development of people at the forefront of global priorities.

Focusing on taking real actions: This principle stresses the need for tangible outcomes and effective implementation rather than being bogged down by rhetoric.

Myanmar expressed support for President Xi Jinping’s proposal, and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also discussed Myanmar’s aspiration to be admitted as a member of the SCO at the summit.

While seeing President Xi Jinping's proposal

He said that current Myanmar-China relations are at their best stage, and that Myanmar guarantees investors will not face losses so that bilateral economic and investment relations can further strengthen.

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited China from August 30 to September 6, 2025, during which he attended and participated in discussions at the SCO Summit, as well as the Chinese people’s Victory over Japanese Fascism military parade ceremony.

In addition, he held talks with international leaders including President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as well as with Chinese and Myanmar business communities.

CNI News

9 September 2025

The Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), Colonel Khun Okkar, told CNI News that the Tatmadaw’s designation of ethnic armed organizations as “terrorist groups” and “unlawful associations” has become like a weapon that can be used whenever needed.

“Before the signing of the NCA, many groups were declared unlawful associations and terrorist organizations. But just days before the NCA was signed, those same groups were declared no longer unlawful, and no longer terrorist groups. Only after that did the peace talks and the NCA signing take place. That shows that when peace negotiations really happen and groups truly rejoin the process, the government offers relaxations. For example, even the AA (Arakan Army) was once removed from the terrorist list. But after about two years, when fighting resumed, they were redesignated as a terrorist group. So, declaring groups as terrorist or unlawful is not permanent—it’s like a tool they can use when needed. They can revoke it, or add new groups, depending on the situation.”, he said.

During the previous NLD government, under agreement with the Union government, the Anti-Terrorism Central Committee announced on March 23, 2020, that the Arakan Army (AA) was designated as a terrorist organization and unlawful association.

Northern Alliance leaders

After the political upheaval of 2021, when the Tatmadaw seized state power, it revoked the designation on March 11, 2021, removing the AA from the terrorist list.

Later, due to renewed conflict beginning in 2023 under “Operation 1027” and escalated fighting in Rakhine State, the Northern Alliance’s three groups—the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA)—were all redesignated as terrorist organizations on September 2, 2024.

Similarly, on August 28, 2025, the Karen National Union (KNU) was also declared a terrorist group and unlawful association.

Currently, four ethnic armed groups are designated as terrorist organizations. However, although the MNDAA handed back control of Lashio under China’s mediation, its designation as a terrorist group has not yet been revoked.

KNU leaders

Khun Okkar added that, at present, no group appears likely to have its terrorist designation lifted. He noted that the Tatmadaw’s stance will depend on how these groups respond to elections and the peace process:

“For now, it depends on how these four groups approach the coming election. In a heated election environment, will they cooperate or continue resisting? Before and after the election, peace processes could re-emerge in different ways. How the Tatmadaw responds will depend on those developments.”

Meanwhile, although the Kachin Independence Army/Organization (KIA/KIO) is severely waging battles against the Tatmadaw and has captured large areas of Kachin State, it has not yet been designated as a terrorist organization.

Some ethnic armed groups and revolutionary forces have already declared their opposition to the upcoming December 28, 2025, Election (Part 1). However, the KIA has only stated that it will not allow ballot boxes to be placed in its controlled areas.

CNI News

8 September 2025

The State Security and Peace Commission announced on September 6, 2025, that the Tatmadaw had regained control of the Kawkareik–Thingannyinaung–Myawaddy section of the Asian Highway, the main trade route between Thailand and Myanmar.

Starting on August 28, 2025, the Tatmadaw launched a military operation with four columns advancing from Kawkareik to Thingannyinaung and one column from Myawaddy to Thingannyinaung. By September 6, 2025, the Tatmadaw had successfully regained control of the Asian Highway.

According to the announcement, the Tatmadaw’s recapture of the Kawkareik–Thingannyinaung–Myawaddy Asian Highway has thwarted the Karen National Union’s (KNU) dream of seizing Kawkareik, Myawaddy, and Hpa-an, and establishing a separate independent Kawthoolei state and government.

In cooperation with People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), the KNU had previously seized Tatmadaw camps and headquarters in the Thingannyinaung and Myawaddy areas between March 7 and April 28, 2024.

To regain control of the highway, the Tatmadaw launched Operation Aung Zeya, and after more than a year of fighting, has now reclaimed the Asian Highway.

During this campaign, a total of 382 clashes—both large and small—took place between the Tatmadaw and the joint KNU-PDF forces. The Tatmadaw also reported seizing 57 assorted weapons and related equipment.

The KNU-PDF’s prior control of the Myawaddy–Thingannyinaung–Kawkareik Asian Highway had disrupted Myanmar–Thailand border trade, causing significant price hikes for the public.

CNI News

7 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, visited nuclear and space technology departments in Harbin, China, according to an announcement from Nay Pyi Taw.

On September 4, 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT).

At the institute, he observed exhibitions showcasing China’s successful testing and development of nuclear bombs and hydrogen bombs for national defense. He also studied achievements in space exploration, missile production, rocket and satellite research, and other technological advancements.

Furthermore, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing discussed possible cooperation between Myanmar and the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) in the field of space-related technologies.

Afterward, he visited Harbin Electric Corporation, where he studied hydropower generation, wind power generation, solar power generation, and nuclear power generation projects. He also observed the production of generators and related equipment for coal-fired power plants, the development of green energy, and electronic manufacturing industries.

In addition, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held discussions on the possibility of cooperation in hydropower projects in Myanmar.

He also observed the use of AI technology in the factory for the production of machinery and equipment.

CNI News

6 September 2025

The National Democratic Force (NDF) and other political parties are facing difficulties in finding enough candidates to meet the required number to contest in the elections, and are also struggling to submit the candidate lists to the Union Election Commission (UEC) within the deadline, said NDF Joint Chairman U Htet Aung Kyaw.

According to the Political Parties Registration Law, political parties must fulfill the required number of members and party offices, and must submit their compliance to the UEC by the deadline of September 7, as announced by the commission on August 20.

The UEC has announced that the first phase of the general election in Myanmar will be held on December 28, 2025.

Currently, the main challenge for all parties is the submission of candidate lists. Due to the limited timeframe given for submission, it has been difficult to meet the required number of candidates and to conduct thorough scrutiny, U Htet Aung Kyaw of the NDF told CNI News.

 Members of the NDF

"Election campaigns will come later. Right now, what all parties are facing is the issue of candidate lists. Not much time was given to submit them. Each party is required to contest at least three constituencies. If a party is competing nationwide, it must contest in at least half of all constituencies. But even though half the constituencies are required, only about 10 days were given for submission. Why is the time frame so restricted? What is the intention behind such a limitation? That’s something worth questioning.", he said.

The UEC has announced that candidate list applications will be scrutinized between September 18 and October 4.

Although their party is able to meet the required number of candidates, U Htet Aung Kyaw explained that the short time frame makes it difficult to properly check and submit the lists, and it feels as though the process has been made deliberately difficult.

 Political parties

"Mainly, requirements such as party offices will be fulfilled. We are confident we can meet and even exceed the required number of candidates. But there are other restrictions. For example, in the past, a person from Puta-O could contest in Kawthaung without issue. Now that’s no longer allowed. These are tight restrictions. Some may have good intentions, but overall it feels like it’s deliberately made difficult. For us, we established our party to work for our country, and that’s why we contest the elections. It is difficult, but under the law we must meet the candidate requirements. If not, then how the authorities will have to decide how to take action?.”, he added.

Under Article 12(a) of the Political Parties Registration Law, if a party fails to mobilize the required number of members or open the required number of offices as set out in Article 5 subsections (c) and (g), it will lose its right to continue as a political party.

Article 12(b) further states that the commission must revoke the registration of any party found to be in breach of Article 12(a) and dissolve that party.

At present, political parties in Myanmar planning to contest the election are facing challenges such as: Difficulty in finding enough candidates, Difficulty in fulfilling office requirement, Financial hardships, Security concerns.

CNI News
5 September 2025

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that the relationship between Myanmar and China is currently at its best.

He made the statement on September 4, 2025, while meeting with Myanmar students studying in Harbin, China.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "The relationship between Myanmar and China is currently in the best possible state. I attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War."

He also expressed his belief that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an important organization for global peace and development, and that Myanmar will soon become a member of the SCO.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing with Myanmar students in Harbin

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing visited China on August 30, 2025, and held discussions with President Xi Jinping and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

He also met and discussed with Chinese-Myanmar business leaders and the Vice-Chancellor of Wuhan University.

During his trip to China, he discussed the Myitsone Dam project, the purchase of electricity from Laos, the reconstruction of the China-India-Myanmar Ledo Road, stability and peace at the border, cooperation in the peace process, China's assistance to Myanmar with satellite technology, and attracting Chinese investment to Myanmar.

China is pressuring the TNLA, MNDAA, and AA, who are engaged in armed conflict to overthrow the Myanmar Tatmadaw led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, to hold talks and cease fighting.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping

In addition, China is pressuring the KIA to stop fighting and hold discussions. China is also supporting the Myanmar Tatmadaw in preventing the KIA's offensive to capture Bhamo.

Similarly, China has expressed support for the election that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing wants to hold and has promised to help organize it. As a result, the election will be held in 102 townships as Part 1 on December 28, 2025.

Military and political analysts point out that the Chinese government does not want the Myanmar central government to collapse, as it would lead to the fragmentation of the country. Therefore, China is supporting the central government and has accepted the view that the current situation in Myanmar should be changed through an election.

CNI News

5 September 2025

The meeting between Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely included matters beyond rare earth minerals, Myanmar political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News.

He said that if China is important to Myanmar, India is equally important, as India shares a long border stretching from Kachin State to Chin State, making it strategically significant.

“India is already a major industrial nation. Another point is that, historically, India has supported Myanmar without causing harm, always offering assistance. So beyond rare earths, there could be many other issues discussed. For Myanmar, just as it maintains good relations with China, it cannot ignore India. That’s why Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meets not only Chinese President Xi Jinping, but also the Indian Prime Minister—to show that strong ties are being maintained. So I think the discussions went far beyond rare earths.”, said Dr. Aung Myo.

KIA leaders

During his China trip, which began on August 30, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with Indian Prime Minister Modi and reached agreements on cooperation in rare earth mining and security matters between the two countries.

Currently, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) controls the rare earth mining areas in Kachin State near the Indian border, and collects taxes and revenues from mining and exports, according to military and political analysts.

Rare earths from Myanmar are mined by Chinese companies and exported to China, where India then re-imports them through Chinese suppliers. Analysts say that direct government-to-government cooperation between India and Myanmar could produce positive outcomes.

Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA)

“There are many places in Myanmar where rare earths are found. But most mining operations now are happening near the China border. India currently buys most of its supply from China. If India could buy directly from Myanmar, that would be good for us. Why? Because India would avoid buying through China, and Myanmar could earn significant tax revenues and state income through government-to-government sales. That’s what we hope for.”, Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party (TNDP), told CNI News.

Since rare earth mines in Kachin are already dominated by Chinese operators, analysts point out that if India were to engage in government-to-government mining cooperation, operations could be carried out instead in Sagaing Region.

They also noted that if India were to operate rare earth mines in Sagaing, it would need to negotiate with the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA).

Currently, nearly 300 rare earth mining sites, including those in the Panwar area, are under KIA control inside Kachin State.

CNI News

5 September 2025

As a state leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, was invited to China, and everyone closely watched which world leaders he would meet and hold discussions with during the trip.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing began his trip to China on August 30, 2025, and attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held from August 31 to September 1, where he took part in discussions.

On September 3, he also attended the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War.

During the trip, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the ASEAN Secretary-General, Kazakh President, as well as other international leaders.

In addition, he met with Chinese and Myanmar business leaders, inviting them to invest in Myanmar. He also held discussions with scholars from Wuhan University regarding providing assistance to Myanmar's satellite technology.

Similarly, agreements on China-Myanmar-India economic cooperation were signed. Other topics discussed included the renovation of the Ledo Road, restarting the Myitsone Dam project, purchasing electricity from Laos, resuming China-Myanmar border trade, strengthening India-Myanmar cooperation in mining and security sectors, and other bilateral relations.

Furthermore, it is reported that China, India, Laos, and other countries expressed their support for the upcoming elections in Myanmar.

CNI News

5 September 2025

Some members of the HPDF-124 group, which operates in the Homalin Township of upper Sagaing Region, were accused of attempting to form a Shanni PDF (People's Defense Force), arrested, and handed over to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to local sources.

The leader of the group, Sai Aung, and his members were arrested in August 2025 at Nat Nan Village in Homalin Township by a combined force of around 200 from NUG-affiliated PDFs, People's Administration Teams, and Khamti District Battalion. After their arrest, they were transferred to Kachin State.

Homalin HPDF-124 and the KIA have jointly controlled Nat Nan Village in Homalin Township.